Chapter 1138

Isaac remained silent, focusing on his drink. He finished his bottle in a few gulps and reached for Violet's, but she refused to let him have it, judging he'd had enough. Soon, the earlier tension forgotten, they were chasing each other around the top of Glimmering Tower.

Violet never told Carissa about their conversation, despite not having promised to keep Isaac's secret. He'd confided in her as a friend, and she felt it wasn't her place to spread rumors—behavior unbefitting the martial arts world.

Lately, however, Isaac had been seen near Silverstone Estate, attracting the attention of the Garrison Unit. Max informed Carissa, who found it odd. Why did Isaac keep going there? Did he know someone?

That evening, at dinner, Carissa asked, "Isaac, what have you been up to lately?"

"Nothing, just wandering," he replied.

"Around Silverstone Estate?" she pressed.

Isaac's gaze darted to Violet, who quickly interjected, "I haven't told her anything."

Carissa studied them—one seemed angry, the other innocent. It appeared they were hiding something.

Just as she was about to question them further, Rafael served her more food. "More to eat," he offered.

Carissa eyed them suspiciously. They ate, heads bowed, in perfect unison.

"The other night," Kyle remarked casually, "those two were at Glimmering Tower, laughing and shouting."

Carissa's eyes widened. "Was that the night he said he wanted to show you something?"

Violet shook her head. "There was no shouting or laughing. He just kept trying to steal my drink."

Isaac glared at Kyle, his panic evident. "How do you know all this? Were you following us? Eavesdropping? How could you?"

"Following you? You were so loud, did you think the people downstairs were deaf?" Kyle countered, suspicion in his eyes. "Why are you so nervous? Unless you did something shameful... or did you two—"

"Stop!" Isaac interrupted loudly. "There's nothing going on between us. I'll never get married!"

His outburst caused the servants to peek in. Realizing his overreaction, he settled back, clearing his throat and adjusting his clothes. "My apologies."

Kyle calmly responded, "What's with the marriage talk? I'm asking about the drinks. Did you pay? Sage Everett keeps strict accounts. He'll lose his mind if a single coin is missing."

"Pay?" Isaac blinked. "Oh, no. I'll pay later. Put it on my tab."

"That's theft," Kyle stated firmly. "You'll have to explain that to Sage Everett."

"No need, Kyle! I'll pay later," Isaac pleaded, clearly nervous.

"No, rules are rules. You need to respect the truth. I won't cover for you." Kyle remained firm, leaving no room for error.

Isaac lost his appetite. Violet, however, eagerly asked him, "You don't want to get married either? That's great! I feel the same. Isn't it better to live peacefully? Why invite trouble with another person—a whole family? Stick to your beliefs! Stand firm!"

Isaac considered her words. "You have a point. But it depends. If someone's alone, with no family burdens, marriage isn't so bad."

Violet shook her head. "No. Childbirth is painful. What husband's family wouldn't expect children?"

"True," Isaac agreed. "But if a man doesn't expect children, takes the lead, protects you, and always agrees with you, then marriage wouldn't be so bad."

Violet snorted. "Such a man doesn't exist!"

Turning to Carissa, her eyes sparkling, she asked, "What do you think? Is it possible?"

Carissa glanced at them both, suspicion growing. "It's rare, but not impossible."